Auwalu Gwalabe, the lawmaker representing Katagum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has argued that the creation of new states is not only possible but necessary, especially when weighed against current government spending.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Gombe during the North-East public hearing of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Gwalabe questioned why the government could commit N17 trillion to a single infrastructure project but hesitate on state creation.
“If we can spend N17 trillion on one road from Lagos to Calabar, what stops us from creating states?” he asked. “You are all aware that government is spending N17 trillion on one road. If you are going to invest that much, do you know how many states could be created with such resources?”
He argued that the nation’s economic potential can accommodate more states, especially in regions where population density and administrative imbalance exist. “Considering the population and economic growth, I believe the country can sustain additional 12 states,” he said.
He pointed out existing disparities in local government distribution among states, noting, “In Kano, one senator represents about 14 local governments, but in Bayelsa it’s maybe two or three. Likewise Gombe State. By creating states, there will be a lot of development.”
Gwalabe, who has been championing the creation of Katagum State out of Bauchi State, said the struggle has persisted since 1981. He blamed constitutional bottlenecks and lack of executive will for the delay, contrasting the current democratic process with past military regimes.
“The military created states through decree. If you were close to the President, he would say it’s created and nobody would object,” he said. “We only need to alter the section that says ‘36 states and Federal Capital Territory’ to say ‘36 states, FCT, plus 12 others’.”
Speaking earlier, Deputy Speaker of the House, and Chairman constitution review committee, Benjamin Kalu, who was represented by Chief Whip Usman Kumo, assured the participants that their memoranda would form the review of the house.
He said, “It’s on this premise that I want to assure this assembly that I, Usman Bello Kumo, we are going to report back the resolution undiluted to the house.”
Also, Consultant and former Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar, SAN, noted that the house has taken two years before arriving at the current point.
He said, “Constitution can not be perfect because its a product of human beings and human beings are not perfect. This is why we have opportunity to repeal it.”
He continued saying “this has taken the house about two years to perform. The bills contained in this compendium are not all, it was organised in a systemic order; electoral, judicial, legislature, inclusive governance, devolution of powers, fiscal reforms, citizenship, indigeneship reforms.”
Abubakar added, “Under electoral reform 12 bills address the need to conduct all elections in one day, defection, the INEC as they have been charged with the responsibility of conducting local government areas election.”
While declaring open the review Governor Muhammadu Yahaya Yahaya, described it as “a democratic imperative” that allows Nigerians to shape the laws governing them.
Yahaya commended the National Assembly for bringing the process to the zone, noting that, “The constitution is a living document—one that must reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of our people.”
He highlighted the need for reforms in federalism, resource allocation, and local governance, and called on all stakeholders to contribute meaningfully. “Your contributions will help shape a constitution that truly represents our collective aspirations,” he said.
